Dare Babalola
The Kogi State Government has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against land-related corruption, invalidating numerous Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) obtained through fraudulent means and reclaiming properties illegally acquired.
In a statement released on Thursday by Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, the government announced that a thorough investigation had uncovered widespread instances of fraud in the processing and issuance of C of O within the state.
“The Kogi State Government has uncovered instances of fraud in the processing and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) within the State. Following a thorough and meticulous investigation, all Certificates of Occupancy found to have been fraudulently obtained have been invalidated,” the statement read.
According to the statement, many of the affected C of O had no proper documentation, no corresponding files, and did not undergo the required statutory processes. Official codes were also found to have been manipulated or misapplied to circumvent due process.
“The public is hereby reminded that the constitutional authority to sign and validate every Certificate of Occupancy in Kogi State is exclusively vested in the Governor. Any Certificate of Occupancy issued outside this lawful process is therefore null, void, and of no legal effect,” the statement emphasized.
The government has also reclaimed properties acquired through these fraudulent means, urging individuals or entities with questionable land holdings to verify their status with the authorities.
“All government properties illegally acquired through fraudulent means have been invalidated and fully reverted to the ownership of the Kogi State Government. The Government urges individuals or entities who may have acquired land or government property under questionable or irregular circumstances to immediately come forward and verify the status of such properties with the appropriate authorities,” it said.
The statement warned that anyone involved in the fraudulent issuance of C of O or illegal takeover of government properties will face prosecution.
“The era of land-related fraud and impunity in Kogi State is over,” Hon. Fanwo stressed, reiterating the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and protecting public assets.
